"The Truth About Herbs," lecture by Dr. Dennis McKenna on common misconceptions about herbs and how to get accurate information about herbal medicines, 6:30-8 p.m. today, Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort, Kohala, Big Island; free. (808) 324-2504, (808) 885-8858.

How Violent Food Choices Fuel a Violent World, presentation by Farm Sanctuary president Gene Bauston on how animal foods in the diet promote disease, degradation of the environment and indifference to suffering and death, 7 p.m. Saturday, McCoy Pavilion, Ala Moana Beach Park; free, sponsored by the Vegetarian Society of Hawaii. 944-8344.

Department of Parks and Recreation Health and Activity Classes begin this week and run through May 26 at Farrington High School. Classes are open to any adult and are free. Call for schedule of aerobics, yoga, walking, water exercise, volleyball and swing dance classes: 544-4858.

Community Health Fair, information booths, entertainment, screening for blood pressure, glucose and diet evaluations, and bone marrow donor drive, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Kaka'ako; free. 692-0988.

The Cancer Healing Journey of a National Champion Swimmer, Ginny Walden shares her experience of using the body-mind-spirit connection to promote life energy, chi, for healing, 5-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, St. Francis Medical Center, Weinberg Pavilion's fifth-floor conference room; free, with a meal provided, sponsored by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. 547-6889.

Introduction to Reiki, Gerrene Yukuno demonstrates the stress management and relaxation available through reiki, 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Windward Community College; free. Registration and location: 235-7433.

Eldercare in Hawai'i, two-session class by Deborah Jackson with discussions on health decisions, housing, elder law, quality of life, letting go and caregiver support and resources, 9 a.m.-noon, Jan. 21 and 28, UH-Manoa, Yukiyoshi Room, Krauss 012; $60. Register for course D08287: 956-8400.

ONGOING

Elegant Exercise, yoga and movement for beginners, dancers and runners, taught by Reiko Seno, 7:45-9 a.m. Saturdays, Mondays and Wednesdays, Aloha Activity Center; $15 for one class, $50 for four classes. Call for schedule: 348-4217.

Masakatsu Ki-Aikido Dojo, instruction for children (5 and older) and adults, 8:30-10 a.m. and 7-9 p.m. Saturdays, 1007 Waimanu St., second floor; monthly fees are $15 for children, $25 for adults; discounts available for families. 487-6080.

Swim Classes, one-hour classes for beginning adult and intermediate adult swimmers, as well as those who are water-challenged, led by J.J. Kobelansky, beginners 9 a.m. Saturdays, intermediate 10:15 a.m Saturdays, bring towel or beach mat and goggles; $10 per class. Call each week to verify class location: 373-3839.

Mindfulness Meditation, develop inner peace, emotional awareness and stability and reduce stress through insight meditation, 4 p.m. Saturdays, Broken Ridge Korean (Buddhist) Temple, Palolo Valley; free. 395-7749.

East West Qigong International holds qigong classes Saturdays-Thursdays at various times and locations. For schedule and details: 941-9707, www.eastwestqigong.org.

Open Meditation, learn how meditation can support well-being in mind, body and spirit, 9-11 a.m. Sundays, 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Kailua Shambhala Meditation Center; free. 262-8352, www.ksbcenter.org.

Butoh movement workshop, exercises to develop sensory and spatial awareness through dance and spoken word, 3-5 p.m. Sundays, Japanese Cultural Center, Kenshikan Dojo; $30 per month. 387-4861.

Yoga Under the Palm Trees, join others in yoga practice, 8-9 a.m. Mondays, between the Waikiki Aquarium and the Natatorium; bring a mat or towel; donations accepted. 373-8833.

Balance and Fall Awareness, balance testing and fall risk screening, Mondays-Fridays, The Balance Center of the Pacific, 600 Kapi'olani Blvd., Suite 404; free. Call for appointment: 955-8339.

Balance and fall prevention screenings, Mondays-Fridays, Ohana Pacific Rehab Services; free. Honolulu office: 591-9420; Kailua office: 262-1118; www.ohanapacificrehab.com.

Stroller Strides, workout and play for mothers and outdoor activities for their babies in strollers, 8:45 a.m. Mondays and Fridays at Kapi'olani Park, and 8:45 a.m. and 5:15 p.m. Wednesdays at Magic Island; $10 per class (discount for multiple classes); ongoing classes also in Kailua and Waipi'o. 371-6904, 783-5701, www.strollerstrides.com.

Exercise class, led by Paul Bragg, 9-10:30 a.m. Mondays-Saturdays, Fort DeRussy Park; free.

Tai Chi For Arthritis, sponsored by Arthritis Foundation, 3, 4:15 and 6 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, Tenrikyo Honolulu Ko, 349 N. Judd St. Call for class fees and registration: 566-7231.

Dohwaje, introductory class in Taoist yoga and breathing meditation, 2, 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 1507 Kapi'olani Blvd., Unit 10; $5. 521-2478.

Panther System Hawai'i, consciousness physics for awareness and self-healing, 6 p.m. Mondays, 661 Auahi St., No. 203; $10. Register: 561-2585.

Body Works Hawaii classes in low-impact aerobics, Pilates, Latin- and '50s-music workouts, and cardio kickboxing, 6-6:45 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, Kuhio School cafeteria; $1 per class, join anytime. 735-5755, 377-5132.

Aerobic Dance Class, by Anne Noyes, for all ages, 7:15-8:15 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Holy Nativity Community Center, 5286 Kalaniala'ole Hwy.; $4. 941-0390.

Yoga is for Every Body, class in Kundalini and hatha yoga taught by Amber Ricci, 6-7:15 p.m. Tuesdays in Hawai'i Kai; $10 per class or $45 for five classes. Location and registration: 396-6715.

Aikido classes, with the Aikido Ohana and instructor Alan Nagahisa, 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays, Higashi Hongwanji Mission, 1685 'Alaneo St.; $20 per month for three classes per week. 221-8656, www.aikidoohana.org.

Qi gong classes, improve health of the body and mind through exercise, meditation and teachings from ancient Chinese practices, sponsored by Falun Gong, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Ala Wai Park, 480 University Ave.; free. 943-6664.

40 Minutes to Health, workshop on maintaining your health naturally, presented by Mark Hoffman, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Island Family Chiropractic; free. 596-0599.

Luk Tung Kuen, participate in calisthenics with members of the Hawai'i branch of Luk Tung Kuen Worldwide Association, 8-9 a.m. Wednesdays, Hawai'i Kai Towne Center stage; free. 941-0440.

Tai Chi For Arthritis, practice with instructor Janet Jin, sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation, 8:30-10 a.m. Wednesdays and Fridays, Chinatown Cultural Plaza courtyard; $2 donation requested. 596-2900.

Introduction to Transcendental Meditation, learn how to reduce blood pressure and live with less stress, 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. For registration and location: 947-2266, www.tm.org.

Healing Touch, ongoing meeting for those who want to learn or can benefit from treatments and prayers, 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesdays, Spiritual Life Center, Maile Room, 1020 S. Beretania St.; donations accepted. 523-1170.

Baby Boot Camp, strength training for moms with stroller-age babies, classes at Aloha Tower Marketplace, Kahala Mall, Central O'ahu Regional Park, Mililani and Kapolei; first class is free, subsequent classes $12 each, discounts available for longer commitments. Schedule and locations: 754-6169, www.babybootcamp.com.

EyeCare America Seniors Eye Care Program, the Hawai'i Ophthalmological Society encourages those age 65 and over to check their eligibility for free eye exams from volunteer doctors. Call (800) 222-3937 for eligibility requirements.

Castle Medical Center's Wellness Center offers a variety of fitness classes on an ongoing basis for $35 per month or $90 per quarter. Schedule: 263-5400, www.castlemed.org.

Fitness and exercise classes, various times and days, Kapi'olani Women's Center. Registration and schedule: 535-7000.

Stott Pilates and yoga classes, mat and equipment training for all levels offered daily, Pilates Training Center of Hawaii, Kailua; $15 to $23 per class with package discounts available. Call for schedule: 261-9519.

Chi-lei qigong, with instructor Ginny Walden of Blue Sky Healing Arts, 8-9 a.m. Thursdays, Kapahulu Center; $5. 259-8453.

Rejuvenate!, adaptive yoga for seniors, with standing, seated and optional floor exercises, 9-10 a.m. Thursdays, Pohai Nani, Kane'ohe; $3 per class. 247-6211.

Goddess Dance Bellydance and Yoga Fitness for Women, combination of belly dance, salsa and yoga with a Pilates cool-down, 5:30-7 p.m. Thursdays, Mo'ili'ili Community Center; $12 per class. 255-9839.

Freedom from Pain, series of classes with Brett A. Sloan on how to reduce pain from inflammation and injury through nutrition, 6 p.m. Fridays, Airport Center Chiropractic Clinic; free. 834-8662.

Send announcements, with contact name and phone number, to Health Calendar, Island Life, The Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802; islandlife@honoluluadvertiser.com, with "Health Cal" in the subject line; or fax 525-8055.